Raiders sign LB Vontaze Burfict after release by Bengals

National Sports

Mar 20, 2019

FILE - In this Dec. 16, 2018, file photo, Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict walks the field during practice before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Cincinnati. The Bengals terminated the contract of Burfict on Monday, March 18, 2019, releasing him to free agency. (AP Photo/Frank Victores, File)

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Raiders have signed linebacker Vontaze Burfict.
The move Tuesday puts Burfict on a new team one day after he was released by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he spent his first seven seasons. During his time with Cincinnati, Burfict was repeatedly suspended by the NFL for violent hits and for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancers.
One of Burfict’s most infamous hits was to the head of wide receiver Antonio Brown late in a playoff game in the 2015 season that helped the Steelers rally for an 18-16 win. Burfict and Brown will now be teammates after the former Pittsburgh star was traded to Oakland.
Burfict will be reunited with Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, who was in charge of the Bengals defense from 2014-17.
During his career in Cincinnati, Burfict had 8½ sacks and five interceptions. He made the Pro Bowl in 2013.
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